Champagne production cut

Champagne production from the 2009 vintage will be reduced by millions of bottles in response to falling sales, following a compromise agreement between the houses and growers.

Champagne production from the 2009 vintage will be reduced by millions of bottles in response to falling sales, following a compromise agreement between the houses and growers.

Following a meeting of the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, the maximum permitted yield for the 2009 harvest will be capped at 9,700kg/ha for growers and 8,000kg/ha for houses. This is lower than last year's single limit of 12,400 but mid-way between the demands of houses such as Pommery Vranken Monopole that the yield be cut to 7,500kg/ha and the growers' insistence not to go below 10,400kh/ha.

A spokeswoman for the Champagne Bureau said: "Prompted by the current financial crisis and particularly the drop in Champagne sales worldwide, the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne has announced new measures to regulate supply of grapes and reduce stocks of Champagne throughout the region." She continued: "It is hoped that these new measures, strict though they are, will lessen the impact of the recession on the Champagne industry and pave the way for recovery and improved sales performance." Although the houses have agreed to buy the maximum yield, they will vinify only 8,000kg/ha and the remainder 10 months later.

In addition, producers will be able to lay down reserve stocks up to a maximum of 4,300kg/ha from the 2009 harvest, which is looking like a very good vintage. These stocks can be used in future to go towards a blend or a vintage Champagne when the market recovers. The trade hopes the adjustment of supply to falling demand will help stem falling prices, with the price dropping below Euro10 in some French supermarkets. A deal by Netto supermarket in the UK last week on Heidsieck & Co. Monopole Blue Top for £13.99 sold out within days.